Colocated in the tropical monsoon climate, which is sunny all year round, with four seasons (spring, summer, autumn), creating a rich and countless beautiful plant species. The unique architecture of each region stretches across the S-shaped country. Vietnam has thousands of years of history as a cradle of rich history and culture, an attractive destination for all tourists. Coming to Vietnam, visitors are not only attracted by beautiful natural scenery but also be amazed by cultural traditions, unique history as well as friendliness and hospitality of the people here.
If you’re still wondering about what is worth doing in this tropical country or because of fragmented information, this is what you need. In order to help you have the best and unforgettable experiences in Vietnam, this article will suggest you the best things to do when visiting Vietnam. So let’s start the journey to Vietnam with us!
1. Contemplating terraced fields in Northwest Vietnam
The wonderful terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai (Yen Bai District), Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang District) and Sapa (Lao Cai) are recognized as National Landscapes and acclaimed by the international media. The unique and breathtaking beauty crystallized from the culture and labor of the Vietnamese people.
Three scenic terraced fields are bringing prosperity to the people and is a unique tourism product of the Northwest. At any time of the year, terraced fields bring perfect beauty to tourists, especially when the rice is yellow.
2. Conquering Fansipan Peak in Sapa – Lao Cai
Fansipan Peak has long become an extremely famous and favorite destination of tourists when coming to Sapa. Especially, conquering Fansipan is always the dream of many young people who enjoy challenges and magnificent natural views of Sapa. It takes about 3 days and 2 nights to conquer the roof of Indochina, and nowadays there are a lot of travel companies providing a full tour to the peak with all necessary facilities and insurance in order to give tourists the safest trip.
Moreover, you can choose another faster way to Fansipan peak by getting a cable car, which takes only about 15 minutes to get to the peak.
3. Taking a motorbike trip on the winding roads of Ha Giang
Ha Giang is one of the destinations not to be missed for those who like exploration. This land of the North West is always a mystery and fascinating. Especially, when coming to Ha Giang, you will be amazed by the long and winding roads which take you to breathtaking sceneries of the mountain areas. The most exciting and perfect way to truly feel the majestic scenes here is to ride a bike so that you can enjoy the chilly weather of the mountainous area, as well as the green terraced fields, and magnificent mountain ranges. It will be a thrilling and unforgettable experience when visiting Vietnam.
However, you should consider if you’re good enough at riding motorbike because they are quite dangerous and winding roads, as well as the weather before starting the journey
4. Visiting tea hills in Moc Chau, Vietnam
Moc Chau is famous for the stretching green tea hills. What makes these hills special is that all the shapes of the tea hills are made by the hands of the people.
The tea farmworkers here have created such impressive works of art such as S-shaped, or heart-shaped hills on the way to the town.
5. Enjoying natural sceneries in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh
Mai Chau is the most popular tourist destination in Hoa Binh Province with beautiful, peaceful natural scenery, and, attractive location. Coming to Mai Chau from October to December or March, you will admire the beauty of plum blossom flowers, peach blossom, and flowers. In addition, you can participate in the lives of ethnic people and enjoy mountain specialties on the village tour as Lac or Poom Village.
If you travel to Mai Chau, you try to spend about 2 days and a night to be able to discover all the beauty of this beautiful Hoa Binh.
6. Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi
Hoan Kiem Lake is at the heart of Hanoi. This is not only a place for people to take a walk but also associated with the capital of many people in the history of culture as well as into the poetry. Visiting the lake, you will find a peaceful moment and get away from the crowded and busy city.
You can truly feel the simple life of the locals when visiting Hoan Kiem Lake. You can also take a cyclo around the lake, which is an interesting experience.
7. Visiting Hanoi Opera House, Vietnam
The theater at 01 Trang Tien Street with many historical landmarks at the heart of Hanoi Capital is the venue of the major art programs of many famous musicians and artists in Vietnam.
You can admire the magnificent architecture of the Hanoi Opera House or buy tickets to one of the most frequently performed shows to see the magnificent interior of the theater.
8. Drinking beer at Ta Hien Street, Hanoi
Here, people can drink cool beer at super-cheap prices. Visiting Ta Hien at night, you will surely be surprised with an “open space” with guests coming from all over the world. Ta Hien Street is only about 100 meters but has a lot of crowded and most famous restaurants, in the center of the old town.
Although we can mention Ta Hien Street with many impressive foods, such as fried rice, hot pot, grilled chicken, … but nothing can overcome the reputation of “grass beer”.
9. Trying “Pho” in Vietnam
Pho is a traditional dish of Vietnamese cuisine. Pho appears everywhere, from country roads to city alleys, from sidewalk cafes, luxury restaurants to even street vendors.
People eat this dish as a breakfast or they can eat lunch, dinner, but it’s hard to get bored with this specially flavored rice noodle.
10. Taking a cyclo around the street in Hanoi
Watching and enjoying the old town of pedicab is an interesting thing that anyone would like to experience while traveling in the countryside, especially the Old Quarter. This way of travel makes visitors feel both new and closer to the breath of life and culture of Hanoi. While traveling by cyclo, visitors can film, take photos, relax contemplate, observe, admire the relics, ancient features of Hanoi and mix into the busy life of the old town. Taking a cyclo around Hoan Kiem lake costs from VND 50,000 to VND 150,000 depending on the bargaining ability of guests.
Normally one day, each driver will have about 5-6 guests, on holidays, holidays probably more. Therefore, cyclo is not only fun but also a way to earn money from many local people here.
11. Having a “Banh Mi” – A special dish of Vietnam
Bread is a popular dish in Vietnam. This is one of the dishes that travelers have to try when coming to Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Hoi An Ancient Town.
The crispy bread crumbles outside, soft and succulent inside, eaten with pork, raw vegetables, grits, sausages, pate, and many other ingredients decrease depending on each region.
12. Joining in a Vietnam water puppet show
Water Puppet is a unique traditional folk stage art that originated from rice culture. From folk art, water puppetry has become a traditional art, a special creation of the Vietnamese. Nowadays, most foreign visitors coming to Vietnam want to see water puppetry. Water puppet show in Hanoi is always full of audiences.
Over thousands of years, folk performances have become a fascinating art. It can be said that the art of water puppetry is a great success of Vietnamese culture.
13. Joining in a Vietnam cooking class in Hanoi
Cooking classes for foreign visitors do not only bring economic efficiency but they also contribute to the culinary culture of Vietnam to international friends.
Visitors coming to Hanoi and joining the cooking classes will be “handed on” the culture of the cuisine of Hanoi in particular and the Vietnamese in general.
14. Visiting Ho Chi Minh mausoleum in Hanoi, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is the place where the body of President Ho Chi Minh is preserved, so that Vietnamese people and foreigners, can visit the beloved father. Not only is the resting place of the great leader of Vietnam, but the whole landscape in Uncle Ho’s mausoleum is also the convergence of quintessence on architecture and cultural space of Hanoi capital thousand years. civilization. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a solemn place.
In addition to memorizing the President, you will be explained by the guides and provided great information here. In addition, you will find interesting exhibits, learn more about the life of President Ho Chi Minh.
15. Coming to Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi, Vietnam
The relics and buildings in Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a testament to the struggle for national independence lasting more than 10 centuries. In the air of history, iconic buildings, fortifications, and military structures depict Vietnam’s years of government and resistance.
Guests can relax in the quiet gardens and explore the nearby Military History Museum of Vietnam.
16. Visiting beautiful caves in Halong Bay
If you have traveled to Halong once, then you must have seen the charming beauty of Halong Bay. Famous for its beautiful and unique caves, Halong Bay is increasingly popular with tourists as an ideal destination for exploring, visiting, relaxing and bathing.
Each cave in Halong Bay has a unique name suggesting visitors with curiosity to explore the mysterious beauty, shimmering. Let’s take a trip to Halong to explore the most famous caves in the bay to see the greatness of a great natural wonder of the world.
17. Going trekking in Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park features mysterious natural beauty, especially with many different ecosystems in the “pan” of the forest. The limestone forest ecosystem in limestone mountains will give you an amazing trekking trip. There are two options for you to choose from.
Route 1 is from the forest gate to Ao Ech which is about 4 kilometers long and the ticket price is VND 40,000 per person, or you can choose route 2 from Ao Ech to the fishing village Viet Hai with the length of 7 kilometers and the price is VND 80,000 per person.
18. Taking a boat trip in Trang An, Ninh Binh
After buying tickets which cost VND 150,000 per person, visitors will be arranged to take on a boat carrying four people, and then go downstream to the caves of Trang An, Tam Coc. Here, visitors will discover Ca Cave, Hai Cave and Ba Giot Cave of Tam Coc – Bich Dong. To see the beauty of the three caves, it will take about 2-3 hours.
Then you will finally come to the Trang An. Guests will visit by boat through 12 caves, approximately 5 kilometers long here. Being immersed in the blue color of the sky, the green color of the grass and of the rocky mountains gives us fantastic feelings.
19. Relaxing in Thung Nhanm Bird Ninh Binh
Thung Nham Bird Sanctuary is an ideal getaway for visitors to make friends with birds, relax by fishing, go to the garden and pick fruits as well as enjoy the famous dishes of Ninh Binh such as “com chay”, or goat meat.
Coming here, visitors can also visit Tien Ca Cave, the Buddha, admire the beauty of birds garden, Love Valley.
20. Visiting Phong Nha Ke Bang, Quang Binh
Honored as the world natural heritages, Phong Nha – Ke Bang Cave Complex is an unforgettable destination when traveling to Quang Binh, Vietnam. Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park is a precious gift with natural resources with a system of limestone karst and imposing limestone, which is an attractive tourist destination in Vietnam.
21. Exploring En Cave, Quang Binh
Hang En is the third largest cave in the world and is an unforgettable place for travelers who love adventure. The huge stalactites were created millions of years ago with the lake in green jade color and other countless wonders of nature which created a wonderful world inside En cave.
You will have to “cross-forest streams”, overcome many challenges on the road which is longer than 10 kilometers to conquer En cave. But when enjoying the natural scenery of the wonderful mountain forests here, it seems that all the hardships on the road are gone.
22. Contemplating the charm of Heaven Cave, Quang Binh
Heaven Cave was called "the palace under the ground" with the splendor of magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Heaven cave has a stalactite system that is not only geologically valuable but also diverse and very colorful.
Coming here, you will discover Heaven Cave on a long road and wooden bridge.
23. Kayaking in Phong Nha Ke Bang, Vietnam
These are two interesting routes for kayak enthusiasts. You can take a boat ride on the Son River, a tributary of the Giant River in Quang Binh Province or take a boat to explore a part of Phong Nha cave, the world’s largest cave with vast underground river system and thousands of stalactites. With a price of around VND 100,000 per hour, you will have a great deal of experience for the trip.
24. Enjoying sceneries of Huong River and Hue music on boat, Hue, Vietnam
Floating on the river by boat, enjoying Hue music and dropping flowers, visitors can gradually feel the special flavor of Hue. If you want to rent a boat to go on the Huong River, you can contact the boat station. Prices depend on which boat you choose. Also, most of the singers singing on the boat are young people. They sing the Hue songs with hundreds of years of history, the songs associated with people and the land of charming Hue.
25. Visiting ancient tombs in Hue
Hue Citadel used to be in a glorious and prosperous period when it became the feudal dynasty of Vietnam, Hue now still retains the majestic charm, hides the old magnificence. If you have a chance to travel Hue, you will see, besides the Citadel which was an important part in ancient times, the vestiges of the Nguyen dynasty throne are also kept in the tombs, temples, monasteries, palaces. The king’s mausoleum architecture is chosen by the king himself, which is considered as the preparation for before he dies.
Therefore, all the tombs here are located in beautiful natural scenery, with charmingly, beautifully decorated mausoleum. The most famous tombs of Nguyen Dynasty includes Gia Long Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, and Tu Duc Tomb.
They all have the most special architecture so that you should try to visit at least these ones.
26. Experiencing royal life in Hue Forbidden City, Vietnam
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a royal dinner an in the king’s custom, embroidered with colorful flowers and around the mandarin. Guests always feel excited and happy with this extremely unique service. It is not comparable to the king’s meal in history, but the service has partly helped visitors feel the king’s luxurious life. They can understand the royal life of the princess, lords, enjoy the dishes are elaborately presented or listen to the royal music. Another interesting activity that any visitor visiting the Hue Citadel also do not want to miss is the service to wear a king coat to take pictures or horse carriage.
27. Hiking to Lang Biang Mountian, Dalat, Vietnam
Located at an altitude that is considered to be one of the highest peaks in Dalat, Langbiang is considered a unique tourist destination for having a picnic, exploring the nature and the culture of the people here. Your first impression will be a little overwhelmed by the vast and majestic space.
On sunny days, in the midst of the high mountain, you will see the blue sky, with blue clouds – white clouds drifting away, time seems to stop here. Under the clear blue sky, the colorful flowers blooming become more brilliant, making the space more and more beautiful, romantic. Everyone tries to take lots of pictures to keep that wonderful moment.
28. Enjoying the perfect scenery of waterfalls in Dalat
Coming to Lam Vien Plateau in Dalat, you do not only have chances to see the flowers garden, but you can also admire the majestic beauty of wild waterfalls here.
They all have a unique and different charm which give visitors unforgettable experiences. The most beautiful waterfalls in Dalat include Dambri, Pongour, Prenn, Datanla, and Cam Ly Waterfall.
29. Riding an elephant in Central Highlands
In the midst of green mountains, elephants do not only take you on a trip around the village but can also set firm footsteps into the swirling water so that visitors can admire the legendary Serepok river. The cost of riding elephants is VND 150,000 for 15 minutes, VND 300,000 for 30 minutes and 600,000 VND for 1 hour. Some suitable places you can take an elephant ride are Lak Lake and Don Village in Dak Lak Province, Yok Don National Park in Dak Nong.
30. Visiting famous bridges in Da Nang
Da Nang – a beautiful and poetic seaside city of Vietnam is known as “beautiful green city with legendary bridges across the Han River”. In addition to the famous tourist attractions such as Ba Na Hills, Ngu Hanh Son, Hai Van Pass … visitors should not miss the bridges of Da Nang such as Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge or Tran Thi Ly Bridge.
Moreover, there are quite a lot of tourists, including foreign tourists visiting the Dragon Bridge, Han River Bridge or Tran Thi Ly bridge have a common point that “no any other place has so many unique bridges like in Da Nang “.
31. Taking a trip to Ba Na Hill, Da Nang
Located on the mountain of Hoa Vang District, Da Nang, Ba Na Hills is one of the most famous tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors to visit and have fun every year. Also, coming to Ba Na Hills, tourists will be able to stand at a height of nearly 1400 meters to see the city and participate in many other exciting activities.
This is a really must-go destination in Danang. Besides, Ba Na Hills also has a system of motels, hotels, and resorts with luxurious facilities to meet the needs of relaxation of tourists.
32. Being close to nature in Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang
About 10 kilometers from Da Nang city, in the Northeast, Son Tra Peninsula has the primitive forest in the heart of the young city. The natural resource is very diverse. From the top of the Chessboard on the peninsula, you can watch the whole city of Danang along My Khe Beach. Also, the time to visit Son Tra peninsula usually takes 1 morning or afternoon. The destinations to visit here must include Linh Ung Pagoda with 67 meters high, and 800-year-old banyan tree.
Son Tra Peninsula also attracts tourists because from above, you can view the panoramic view of Da Nang along the beach with fishing villages, which is a beautiful spot for you to take pictures.
33. Trying diving scuba in Cu Lao Cham, Danang
Diving scuba is a deep-diving service with swimmers expert. Therefore, for swimmers who are not very good at swimming, they are still able to use the service in the safest way. You will learn to move and how to use a sign for your instructor while diving. Then you will be equipped with special diving and oxygen equipment.
Here, you can enjoy swimming in cool water, watching the shimmering coral reef. It all looks like a lively colorful picture of the sea creatures through the clear blue water. You will admire the mysterious beauty of the place with many rare coral species which are difficult to find in other places.
34. Riding a motorbike to Hai Van Pass, Vietnam
Hai Van Pass is the border between Da Nang and Hue. Travel to the pass by motorbike is a good way to experience the complete feelings of conquering dangerous steep slope at a high altitude. Going by motorbike will also have its own fun you can freely stop at any place just for sightseeing, taking pictures or resting.
35. Cycling around Hoi An ancient town, Vietnam
Hoi An – The ancient city of Hoai River is always a favorite destination of many tourists. Many people have returned to Hoi An many times because they are falling in love with the peace here. Experiencing the peaceful and casual life here by biking around the old town will definitely give you a feeling of fun and memorable experiences in the trip
In Hoi An, almost all hotels have a bicycle rental service for domestic and foreign tourists. Getting around the old town by bike is very convenient and safe. You can stop at any time to take pictures or buy souvenirs. Especially, in the old town, there are many beautiful old, mossy, ancient site when combining with the bike will make a beautiful picture. Just riding the bike, while observing the activities of the daily life of people here, you can see that the life here is not noisy, as busy as other cities, and time seems to slow down, giving you a feeling of coming back to your childhood.
36. Walking down the street in Hoi An ancient town at night
A simple experience, you just need to walk outside the street and watch the old houses, lantern lightening up the town in full colors. You will think you are at the gala of light – a picture that is a combination of the colorful lanterns, the silence of ancient architecture, the rustic sound folks.
Perhaps the most beautiful scene is still along the Hoai River, where colorful lights of candlelit flowers glitter floating on the water.
37. Relaxing on stunning beaches in Nha Trang
Nha Trang is known as the sea tourism paradise of Vietnam, famous for the romantic islands. The blue ocean here is the most attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. You can immerse yourself in the blue water, hide in the sandy beach, walk along the beach, lie on the sand and hear the waves embracing the shore or have the silent and peaceful moment to see the sunset.
Do not just stop there, because a lot of interesting activities, at the beach are waiting for you to explore such as parasailing, windsurfing, canoeing, flyboard, … or building a sandcastle and playing beach volleyball will also help you have great relaxing moments
38. Visiting Ponagar Tower in Nha Trang
Ponagar Tower is the ancient architecture of Cham people. This tower is 2 kilometers far from the center of Nha Trang to the north. The complex includes four stupas, two shrines, and the largest tower of the goddess Ponagar.
Also, after visiting the Ponagar Tower you can take a mud bath at the nearby Thap Ba Hot Spring resort.
39. Visiting pristine Con Dao Island, Vietnam
Con Dao Island in Vietnam is famous for its clear beaches, green coconut palms and white sandy beaches that can charm any visitor. It is easy to understand why Con Dao Island attracts many domestic as well as international tourists to come and relax. With wild beauty is not too seriously affected by the tourism industry, Con Dao Island is now indeed a rare tourist paradise in Vietnam.
40. Joining in Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, Vietnam
Cai Rang floating market is one of the three largest floating markets in Can Tho. Unique features and characteristics of Cai Rang floating market is specialized in trading fruits, specialties of the Mekong Delta. Local people gather in the river by boats … Today, although the road network has developed widely, floating markets still exist and become popular, bringing economic and tourism potential to the city.
Cai Rang market occurs quite early, usually from early morning to about 8 AM. The locals sell the goods on boats, usually, each boat will specialize in selling one item only. To advertise what they sell, traders hang their product samples on the top of a long bamboo (called Cay Beo) in front of the boats. This is a good chance for you to explore the daily life of the locals and enjoy specialties of the area.
41. Coming to Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
You can come here to visit the revolutionary of Vietnam during the Vietnam War before 1975. Coming to Cu Chi Tunnels, you will understand more about this famous historical land. The local residents dug tunnels to avoid the raids of the French army and to provide refuge for the Viet Minh. Each village built its own tunnels and then, due to the need of going among the villages, the tunnels system connected to each other to form a complex system of tunnels.
42. Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City
This is a truly great architectural work of historical and architectural art. Is a living proof of a historical period of our nation. Although the Notre Dame Church has lived for over a hundred years, and today it still exists as a living relic of the country. Foreign visitors and locals come here a lot, especially on Christmas Eve.
The church area and the city center turn into a jubilant festive area. This is of the most unique buildings in Saigon, and always attracts the attention of domestic and foreign tourists.
43. Coming to Bui Vien Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Vien Street is also famous for the name “Backpacker area” because of the number of tourists coming here mainly from Western countries such as the USA, The UK, and France … Since 2009, the Bui Vien Street has expanded. Not only Westerners but also Asian tourists and domestic visitors like to come here.
Perhaps Bui Vien is a favorite place for locals and tourists because people who come here, feel no barriers among them. They can easily share the joy with each other, or take a picture together and save beautiful moments.
44. Visiting Phu Quoc prison relic, Vietnam
Coming to Phu Quoc Prison, you will see and hear what happened here for Vietnamese soldiers to see the courage of the comrades when they were physically and psychologically abuse. They were still resilient in front of the enemy. Visiting the relic prison to see the artifacts left here you will understand more clearly the patriotism of our compatriots, gain better understand the history of Vietnam.
The above are 44 best things to do in Vietnam, which will give you unforgettable experiences when traveling to this tropical country. It is a wonderful country waiting for your exploration. Hope you will have a memorable trip to Vietnam!